Muffy's Fitness Bloghttps://muffyruns.wordpress.com
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1 http://wordpress.com/https://s0.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngMuffy's Fitness Bloghttps://muffyruns.wordpress.com
January Challenge: 30 Day Arm Workouthttps://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/january-challenge-30-day-arm-workout/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/january-challenge-30-day-arm-workout/#respondTue, 08 Jan 2019 14:52:26 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3425Read More]]>This year I decided to focus on various challenges each month. These are different health and wellness challenges designed to keep me motivated and hopefully change my lifestyle for the better over time. For January, I decided to focus on my arms and use a 30 day challenge featured in Refinery29.

So far so good! I had to make some modifications and use resistance bands for the first few days because my weight set hadn’t arrived from Amazon yet. Don’t worry, I’ll provide a full recap at the end of the month on how it all went.

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/january-challenge-30-day-arm-workout/feed/0WeightsmlavensWDW Half Marathon Training: Week 17 Recaphttps://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/06/wdw-half-marathon-training-week-17-recap/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/06/wdw-half-marathon-training-week-17-recap/#respondSun, 06 Jan 2019 20:46:57 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3423Read More]]>Well January has already started off better than December. It’s been one week and I’ve already had three workouts! Unfortunately, none of those have been running.

I planned on running Friday morning, but after the dog got me up in the middle of the night and I struggled to go back to sleep, I opted for the later alarm. That meant no time for a run.

However, I did manage to get a bike ride in, some yoga and Zumba. I’ve also started a 30 day arm workout challenge. I haven’t been tracking those as workouts on my Apple Watch since they’re quick, daily exercises, but it’s something else to add to my fitness habits.

This is the week leading up to the race. I’m planning to get one short run in before race day, but I think I may be coming down with a cold, so I may opt for rest and relaxation instead. My body may need that before the big 13.1.

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/06/wdw-half-marathon-training-week-17-recap/feed/0mlavensRun the Year: 2019https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/04/run-the-year-2019/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/04/run-the-year-2019/#respondSat, 05 Jan 2019 02:14:56 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3420Read More]]>In 2017 my mom and I joined the Run the Edge challenge of 2,017 miles in 2017. We continued in 2018 and completed the challenge in August. At the end of 2018, we had completed 3099.86 miles!

Naturally, we signed up again for the 2,019 miles in 2019. We’re hoping to complete the miles even faster this year and go even further by the end of the year.

This is not the only challenge I’m trying this year. I’m planning on tackling a different challenge each month. I figure this way it keeps up some variety and keeps me motivated throughout the year. Bring it on!

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/04/run-the-year-2019/feed/0mlavensReflecting On 2018https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/reflecting-on-2018/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/reflecting-on-2018/#respondTue, 01 Jan 2019 15:18:31 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3415Read More]]>My goal for 2018 was consistency. Looking back I would say I was pretty good about working out consistently up until these last two months. Between teaching Zumba and Pound, owning a stationary bike, and the motivation of my Apple Watch, I was much better about sticking with my fitness regiment.

I’m glad I’m taking the time to reflect on the year because these past couple of weeks have been discouraging. Looking back on the year as a whole, I shouldn’t be discouraged. I did a lot and sometimes life gets in the way. It’s never too late to get back on track and that’s what 2019 is going to be for me. A chance to get back on track.

Happy New Year Everyone!

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/reflecting-on-2018/feed/0untitled (15 of 61)mlavensWDW Half Marathon Training: Weeks 15 & 16https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/wdw-half-marathon-training-weeks-15-16/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/wdw-half-marathon-training-weeks-15-16/#respondSun, 30 Dec 2018 14:52:15 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3412Read More]]>Well the training did not get any better over these two weeks. I’ll be honest, I’m not concerned about finishing the race. I’ve done plenty of half marathons, some with less training that this. What I’m frustrated about is that I know I won’t be improving upon a time. And I know I have no one to blame but myself.

I had hoped that sharing my training would help keep me accountable, but the past three training posts have all been the same thing…hardly doing anything. As we approach 2019, something has got to change. But until then, here’s how I spent the past two weeks.

I only closed my Move Ring on my Apple Watch half the time. I also only got one workout in bringing the total for the month to four. That is, unless I get a workout in tomorrow.

January will be better. I start teaching my Zumba class again in January. Approaching the last two weeks of training before the half, I know I need to keep up with my cardio but also not overdoing it. My plan is to teach my Zumba class, run one day per week, and bike one day per week. I also hope to continue that through the year, while adding in a weights day.

Here’s to 2019!

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/wdw-half-marathon-training-weeks-15-16/feed/0mlavensWDW Half Marathon Training: Weeks 13 & 14https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/17/wdw-half-marathon-training-weeks-13-14/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/17/wdw-half-marathon-training-weeks-13-14/#respondMon, 17 Dec 2018 17:56:26 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3404Read More]]>In November I was great about working out while I was traveling, but that has not been the case in December. In these past two weeks, I have only gotten two workouts in. Yikes!

On December 3 I managed a nice cardio workout on the bike. After a long day at work, a quick 20 minute bike ride was needed. I thought that would set the tone for the week and get me back on track, but the next day I left on a business trip and never managed to fit a workout in.

200 Move Goal Achievement

I came home for about four days before leaving on another business trip and had every intention of getting a run in, but I had some long nights at the office, so that didn’t happen. However I did hit 200% of my Move goal on my Apple Watch during one of the work events, so that counts for something right?

When I returned from my business trip, I had a subbing date for Zumba at the gym, so that pushed me to get another workout in.

With the holidays coming up, I’m not entirely confident I’ll get back on track, but I’m hoping I can at least get a couple more workouts in before the new year and the race.

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/17/wdw-half-marathon-training-weeks-13-14/feed/0mlavens#Goalshttps://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/15/goals/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/15/goals/#respondSat, 15 Dec 2018 17:54:55 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3400The new year is about two weeks away, which means 2019 goals should be on your mind. I know after the holiday season I always need to work at getting back on track, so Health & Nutrition Coach and Co-Founder of The Macro Challenge, Ashton Barrett, shares how to slay your goals this year.

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/15/goals/feed/0bigstock-dream-big-set-goals-take-act-191570074-980x600mlavensYou Never Know What Your Next Obstacle Will Behttps://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/09/you-never-know-what-your-next-obstacle-will-be/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/09/you-never-know-what-your-next-obstacle-will-be/#respondSun, 09 Dec 2018 15:52:06 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3394I love the show American Ninja Warrior. It may be the off season for the show, but I thought I would share this video while we wait for the return. It always makes me laugh.

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/09/you-never-know-what-your-next-obstacle-will-be/feed/0mlavensWhich Fitness Tracker is Right For You?https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/which-fitness-tracker-is-right-for-you/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/which-fitness-tracker-is-right-for-you/#respondFri, 07 Dec 2018 00:12:56 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3373Read More]]>Christmas is coming! Do you have a fitness tracker on your list? It’s a great gift, especially if you or someone you know is gearing up for a healthier New Year. There are so many different fitness trackers out there so it can be overwhelming to pick just one. Luckily, we’ve done the hard part and narrowed it down to seven great options.

Personally, I love my Apple Watch! I went through a lot of other fitness trackers though to get to this point. And the Apple Watch is more wearable tech than strictly a fitness tracker. Nevertheless, it makes our list.

1. Apple Watch Nike+Edition: This edition of the Apple Watch is the perfect running partner. Paired with the Nike Run Club app and the Nike Training Club app you enter a world of different workouts and gain access to a variety of fitness experts.

Battery: Rechargable battery with up to 18 hours of life (pending physical activity and use of other features, I have gotten about 20 hours on my Apple Watch Series 3. Battery life may vary by model)

Compatibility: iOS

2. Moov Now: Personally, I have not tried this tracker, but I’ve heard great things. This is a more. “everyday” kind of tracker. It lacks some of the fancy features you’ll get from other fitness trackers, but for the price point, you’ll get your money’s worth out of it. To learn more, check out this review by Tech Radar.

3. Fibit Alta HR: I have been a long time supporter of Fitbit. I’ve loved every one of my devices and had great experiences with their customer service. I liked this device a lot. It may not be as technical as some of the other fitness trackers out there, but it was a great every day tracker that kept me motivated. In addition to tracking activity, it also tracks sleep.

Battery: Rechargable battery with up to 7 days of life (pending physical activity and use of other features. I only got about 4-5 days out of it)

Compatibility: iOS/Android

4. Misfit Shine 2: One of my friends had the Misfit and loved it. There are some great features with this fitness tracker and it’s reasonably priced. What I like about this one is it gives you the option to wear it as a band (like most trackers) or to clip it on. Sometimes I would prefer a clip over a bracelet or watch style (I really hate things on my wrist) and this is one of the few trackers that allow this option. To learn more, check out this review from Wearable where they gave the tracker 4 out of 5 stars.

5. Garmin Vivosport: Garmin is great brand for all things fitness. I know many runners that use Garmin products and even bought my boyfriend a Garmin watch a few years ago. This track a variety of fitness modes, which is nice for the size of the band. I’ve noticed with smaller trackers, activities are often sacrificed, so it’s nice to see this isn’t that case with this one. The Vivosport is also of similar design to thee Fitbit Alta, but comes at a cheaper price point. See the full review on Tech Radar.

6. TomTom Spark 3: TomTom is another great brand for runners and fitness enthusiasts. One of the best features of the Spark 3 is that is has 3GB of storage, meaning you can load music directly on to it for those long runs you don’t want to bring your phone along for. It also has “Route Exploration,” which allows you create a route and directly upload it to the tracker. Get additional information on the Spark 3 by checking out this review by PCMag.

Compatibility: iOS/Android; plus an additional PC program to upload music. Can be used on Mac, but not as user friendly.

7. Fitbit Versa: Again, I love the Fitbit brand and if I hadn’t been so sold on my Apple Watch, I would probably still use a Fitbit. According to CNET, the Fitbit Versa is the lower-cost, Apple Watch alternative. The Versa serves as both a smartwatch and a fitness tracker. Like all Fitbit models it tracks steps, but also does activities and sleep. It also adds some nice features like messaging and mobile payments. If you’re not looking to break the bank on an Apple Watch, the Versa may be the best bet.

Disclaimer: These are honest reviews of the products. Some have been used by the Muffy’s Fitness Blog team, while others have not, but come from creditable sources. There was no compensation received for reviewing this products. Pricing and availability was correct at the time of publishing. For more information, reference our Disclosure Policy.

]]>https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/which-fitness-tracker-is-right-for-you/feed/0B1C01EE4-7968-47BB-8F01-1B761B1AC22AmlavensWDW Half Training: Week 12 Recaphttps://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/02/wdw-half-training-week-12-recap/
https://muffyruns.wordpress.com/2018/12/02/wdw-half-training-week-12-recap/#respondSun, 02 Dec 2018 22:08:36 +0000http://muffyruns.wordpress.com/?p=3369Read More]]>This week did not go as planned either. I was better about getting some cardio and fitness in, but not the way I expected. I had planned to run Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, but that didn’t happen.

On Tuesday I had to take my parents to the airport in the wee hours of the morning. When I got home it was 5am which seemed a little too early to run through my neighborhood. There aren’t many people out at that time, so it didn’t feel like the safest choice. In that amount of time, I fell back asleep and woke up when my alarm went off.

Trying to keep from losing out of the day completely, I figured I would run after work. I forget how dark it gets early on now, so by the time I got home and fed the dog it was dark and cold. Not to mention, I was still pretty tired from the morning so I was less than motivated.

My first workout of the week came on Wednesday when I went to yoga. I was so glad I did. I needed that relaxation time.

I had planned to run on Thursday, but realized I had agreed to sub Zumba, and I wasn’t going to run and dance in the same day, so there went that plan. Again, at least I got a workout in and burned a lot of calories.

This morning I had expected to get a long distance run in. Early in the week we had some chilly weather, which is what I was expecting all week long. That was not the case, so when I woke up at quarter to eight, it was too hot to go for a run. I hopped on the bike for 30 minutes so I could at least get some cardio in.

Overall, November was not my best month. I only got seven workouts in, which was down from every other month. I have a few subbing dates of Zumba in December and I’m about one month away from the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, so I anticipate this month being better. I’m not panicking yet, but if things don’t turn around this month, the race could be a struggle.